iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum vs Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop
Get the Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop unless you need a budget-friendly option. With a runtime of 240 minutes, it crushes the iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum's 120-minute limit. You'll love the powerful suction of 5,500 Pa, making it a no-brainer for larger homes. In real-world use, the Roborock's larger dustbin (0.20 gal vs 0.10 gal) means fewer trips to empty it. Plus, the self-emptying dock can hold up to 7 weeks' worth of dirt, letting you focus on more important things in life. If you're tired of constantly emptying the vacuum, this upgrade is worth considering in 2026. Key specs: Weight: 93.44 oz vs 112.88 oz and Battery: 120 min vs 240 min.
Why compare these? The iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum (entry-level) and Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop (mid-range) represent different approaches to robot vacuums. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | iRobot Roomba | Roborock Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4★ (51,777 reviews) | ✓4.2★ (881 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation | Impressive 5,500 Pa suction power for its price tier |
| Main Drawback | No mopping capability | Passive mopping only (drag-and-wipe, no scrubbing or lifting) |
| Market Position | Entry | ✓Mid-range |
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs.
Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping).
Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition).
Not specified (3 suction power levels)
Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop
PreciSense LiDAR Navigation (Systematic, map-based cleaning with adaptive route algorithms).
LiDAR mapping (Multi-level mapping, Quick Mapping, 3D Map Viewing, Matrix Map).
Standard sensor-based avoidance (No AI camera/structured-light object recognition).
5,500 Pa
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum vs Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop
| Criterion | iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum | Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4(51,777)Amazon | ★4.2(881)Amazon |
Navigation | Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs. | PreciSense LiDAR Navigation (Systematic, map-based cleaning with adaptive route algorithms). |
Mapping | Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping). | LiDAR mapping (Multi-level mapping, Quick Mapping, 3D Map Viewing, Matrix Map). |
Obstacle Avoidance | Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition). | Standard sensor-based avoidance (No AI camera/structured-light object recognition). |
Suction Pa | Not specified (3 suction power levels) | 5,500 Pa |
Brush System | 3-Stage Cleaning System with Multi-Surface V-shaped main brush + Edge-Sweeping brush. | DuoRoller Brush (Dual all-rubber main brushes to resist hair tangles) + Single side brush. |
Mopping | No | Yes (Basic snap-on mop module with 0.05 gal / 180 mL onboard water tank). |
Mop Lift | N/A (No mopping) | No (No mop lifting; requires manual removal of mop module for carpets). |
Carpet Boost | No automatic boost (Manual control: 3 suction levels). | Yes (Automatic Carpet Boost). |
Battery | Lithium-ion (2600 mAh) | 14.4V / 5200 mAh Lithium-ion |
Runtime | Up to 120 min | Up to 240 min (in Silent Mode) |
Charging Time | Approx. 4 hours | < 6 hours |
Dustbin | 0.10 gal (approx. 400 mL) | 0.20 gal (770 mL) — Extra large onboard bin |
Water Tank | N/A (No mopping) | 0.05 gal (180 mL) |
Auto Empty | No | Yes |
Dock Type | Charging Dock (Standard Home Base) | RockDock Plus Auto-Empty Dock (2.5 L / 0.66 gal dust bag, rated for up to 7 weeks; approx. 12.01" W x 17.32" D x 17.64" H). |
Mop Wash | N/A (No mopping) | No |
Mop Dry | N/A (No mopping) | No |
Filtration | High-Efficiency Filter | E11 Rated Washable Filter |
Noise Level | Not specified | Approx. 67 dB (Balanced Mode) |
App Features | iRobot Home App: Clean While I'm Away, suggested schedules, Clean Map® report, spot cleaning. | Roborock App (No-Go Zones, Invisible Walls, Custom Cleaning Schedules, Pin-n-Go, Multi-Level Mapping up to 4 floors). |
Voice Assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Siri Shortcuts. |
Multi Floor | No (Does not store maps) | Yes (Up to 4 map levels supported). |
Threshold Climb | 0.625" (5/8 in) | 0.79" (20 mm) |
Height | 3.15" | 3.80" (96.5 mm) |
Dimensions | 13" (L) x 13" (W) x 3.15" (H) | 13.78" (L) x 13.90" (W) x 3.80" (H) |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs.
Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping).
Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition).
Not specified (3 suction power levels)
3-Stage Cleaning System with Multi-Surface V-shaped main brush + Edge-Sweeping brush.
No
Pros
- Methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation
- Up to 120 minutes runtime with auto-docking recharge
Cons
- No mopping capability
- No auto-empty dock (standard charging dock only)
Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop
PreciSense LiDAR Navigation (Systematic, map-based cleaning with adaptive route algorithms).
LiDAR mapping (Multi-level mapping, Quick Mapping, 3D Map Viewing, Matrix Map).
Standard sensor-based avoidance (No AI camera/structured-light object recognition).
5,500 Pa
DuoRoller Brush (Dual all-rubber main brushes to resist hair tangles) + Single side brush.
Yes (Basic snap-on mop module with 0.05 gal / 180 mL onboard water tank).
Pros
- Impressive 5,500 Pa suction power for its price tier
- DuoRoller dual rubber brushes significantly reduce hair tangles
Cons
- Passive mopping only (drag-and-wipe, no scrubbing or lifting)
- Lacks advanced AI obstacle avoidance (struggles with cables/socks)
Which one is better?
The Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop is the better buy for most people - its 240 minutes of runtime crushes the iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum's 120 minutes. That said, grab the iRobot if you're looking for a simpler, entry-level vacuum - it's lighter at 5.84 lb vs 7.05 lb.
Who should buy each?
Choose the iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum if: you want a lightweight vacuum at 5.84 lb, prefer a simpler setup without advanced features, or are looking to save money.
Choose the Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop if: you need longer battery life of 240 minutes, want powerful 5,500 Pa suction, or prefer a self-emptying dock for convenience.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.2★ vs 4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Roborock Q5
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 51,777 reviews vs 881
→ Choose iRobot Roomba
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Roborock Q5
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose iRobot Roomba
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop leads with a 4.2★ rating versus 4★. That said, iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum or Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop?
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum is the better choice if you prioritize methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation. Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop wins if you value impressive 5,500 pa suction power for its price tier. Both are rated highly (4★ vs 4.2★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum and Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop?
Key differences: iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum offers methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation, while Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop stands out with impressive 5,500 pa suction power for its price tier. Consider that iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum no mopping capability. Meanwhile, Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop passive mopping only (drag-and-wipe, no scrubbing or lifting). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.